The poaching vessel, Thunder has issued a distress call that it is sinking. Photo: Sea Shepherd / Erwin VermeulenToday, at approximately 1539 AEDT, at location 0? 20’ North 05? 24' East inside the Exclusive Economic Zone of Sao Tome, the poaching vessel, Thunder, issued a distress signal. The Captain of the Thunder radio the Sea Shepherd ship, Bob Barker, reporting that the vessel was sinking.

35 crewmembers from the Thunder have abandoned the ship and are in life rafts.

Sea Shepherd confirms that the Thunder appears to be taking on water.

The Bob Barker is currently coordinating a search and rescue operation.

Captain Peter Hammarstedt of the Bob Barker said, “We have received a distress call from the Thunder. It appears as though the ship and crew are in a serious situation. The Captain of the Thunder has radioed us and said their ship is sinking. We have launched our small boat and are doing everything we can to assist."

35 crew from the Thunder have abandoned ship and are now in life rafts. Photo: Sea Shepherd / Erwin Vermeulen